On 10/12, Diep, a 42-year-old Ha Noi resident, was arrested by the Da Nang Police Criminal Investigation Department. He faces charges of fraudulent appropriation of property under clause 4, article 174 of the Criminal Code.

_Nguyen Van Diep at the police station. Photo: Thanh Phuoc_

According to investigators, starting from July 2021, Diep gained information about numerous businesses seeking to participate in the Trung Khoi Workshop and Office Complex project located in Quan Ngang Industrial Park, Quang Tri. He introduced himself as the general director of Pacific Group Company, claiming he possessed the authority to award contracts.

Through a broker named Nguyen Van Thanh, Diep approached contractors. He stipulated that they had to pay "bonuses" or commissions upfront to be awarded the construction work.

Believing Diep's self-proclaimed title, two individuals from Da Nang and Quang Tri collectively transferred 1,85 billion dong to "secure their spots." However, authorities confirmed that all contracts signed by Diep were fraudulent and lacked legal validity.

Of the embezzled amount, Diep kept 1,15 billion dong, while the remaining sum was divided among the brokerage group. The scheme came to light after the victims filed complaints on 1/11.

Police are currently expanding the investigation into the roles of other individuals involved in the case.

Ngoc Truong